Deborah Wedel of Tuttle was crowned Ms. Senior Oklahoma in Ada, OK, on Saturday, June 29th and will represent Oklahoma in the Ms. Senior America in Atlantic City, NJ, in October. The Ms. Senior America highlights the beauty of senior citizens through interviews, personal philosophies of life, talent and evening gown competitions. First runner-up was Susan Frazier of Skiatook. Second runner-up was Karen Tims of Oklahoma City. Third runner-up was Kathryn Gordon of Newalla.

Deborah, daughter of Orbie and the late James Smith of Claypool Community, attended Waurika High School. She has been married to Bruce Wedel for 46 years and they have two children, Derek & Heather Wedel, daughter -in-law Cindy, and two granchildren, Jakob and Nicole Wedel. Deborah taught Chemistry at Newcastle High School for 21 years, taught at Dibble, Mustang, Southeast, Capitol Hill & Dunbar, as well as was counselor at Mount S. Mary, and loved every minute of that time. Along the way, she also has honored in Washing D.C., as one of the Top Ten Outstanding  young Women of America in 1983, Good Housekeeping’s 100 Young Women of Promise of Promise in 1985, and third runner-up in the Mrs. Oklahoma Pageant in 1994.

The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the Age of Elegance. It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America and out most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resource that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.